General information, not an individual diagnosis. Ask a healthcare professional if you are unsure about your situation.
Severe trouble breathing, blue lips or nails, difficulty speaking or confusion are emergency signs. Call 15 or 112. Do not wait for a pharmacy appointment or prevention consultation to have a severe attack assessed.
An asthma attack can involve wheezing, a dry cough, chest tightness and difficulty breathing. Signs vary between people. New or unusual symptoms need assessment; they do not allow you to diagnose yourself with asthma.
A written personalised action plan is prepared by your general practitioner, lung specialist or allergist. It describes your early attack signs, treatment instructions and situations requiring emergency help. It belongs to your own care pathway.
Find the document and check with your doctor that you understand the medicine names and instructions. Keep it accessible and tell someone close to you where to find it. Follow your prescribed plan rather than copying another person’s doses or treatment.
If symptoms persist despite reliever treatment, recur or worsen, get prompt medical advice. A poor response with severe signs requires emergency help. Do not wait a fixed number of hours before responding to deterioration.
After an attack, discuss your situation and the plan with your doctor. Note the circumstances and questions to ask. A broader prevention discussion can follow; it does not replace attack instructions or this medical reassessment.
Sources
Your health review
Review your health
Mon bilan prévention is an appointment to discuss your habits and choose your health priorities. Review the four age groups and practical information.